18 month checkup

18 month check up:

22.3 lbs. : 8 percentile and holding steady.....

30.3 inches short : 5 percentile (hey, at least he's finally on the charts)

One shot (pneumococcal) - owwie

Overall, he got a great report. But he's sick right now with an ear infection and a bad cold.

Greetings on my last Wed in Russia

Another email update to Aunt Leslie:

Things went well today. We went out at 11:30, so I was in a panic about what to do about lunch. I decided to feed him as soon as he got up from his nap. So, at 11:15, he was lunching away, and then out the door at 11:30. First we went to the passport office and picked up the children's new passports. Then it was off to the doctor. That took a while and Henry HATED it, cried like the doctor was trying to kill him or something. All she did was listen to his breathing, look down his throat and feel him up a little. I guess it was the whole 'getting naked' thing he disliked.

Then, it was off to the American Consulate. It was about 2 when we got there. I figured we would be there awhile, especially since our appointment wasn't officially until 2:30. So my mom rocked Henry and he was sleeping in about 5 minutes flat. He ended up getting to sleep for about 45 minutes, which is a liittle shorter than normal, but still not bad.

We were then going to go out to lunch, but the other little girls had had enough, so it was back to the hotel. It was almost 4 by the time we got here. So my mom and I snacked a little, and then went down for dinner at 5. We even ordered dessert tonight. We always say we will come back later for dessert, but we never do, so we just ordered it tonight.

I was telling my mom how much Henry has progressed in the time we have been here. The first few nights in the dining room with him was really not very much fun. After he was done eating, he had no interest in sitting in the high chair any more. Tonight, he sat (rather quietly) until my mom and I were both done eating. And he was in a very good mood. Mom went to check her email and he and I headed upstairs. He giggled all the way up!

Anyway, we are really on the countdown now, and they finally fixed to the TV tonight! A few more days and we will be on the airplane to head home.

Hope you have a happy Wednesday and I look forward to talking to you in the morning!

An email update to Miss Anne

Just a quick note for you to let you know how we are doing. It feels like we have been here forever and we are now counting down until we get to come home (11/20).

As you saw from my other email, I got to pick Henry up right after court on 11/4. It all becomes official on Tuesday. We should have a busy week finalizing the paperwork and then we need to do some paperwork with the US Consul to get his passport and visa all lined up. A courier will take it all to the US Embassy in Moscow for us. She arrives back on Saturday morning, and we leave out on Saturday afternoon -- arriving back in Houston on Saturday evening. I am sure by the end of it, Saturday will feel like the longest day in my life!!!

Henry and I are adjusting so well to each other. In the beginning, he was totally a Mama's boy and did not want anything to do with grandma. It took him a good 4-5 days before he warmed up to her and allowed her to hold him and snuggle with him. So I guess that just goes to show that he did remember me from my previous visit. He is a sponge and seems to learn new things every day. Of course, some of the old tricks fall off for a while to make room for the new ones, but I am sure they will re-surface again (like saying uh-oh).

It is hard being cooped up here day in and day out. My coordinator has been kind enough to make sure we have what we need and take us to the market or baby store when needed. She has also taken us to lunch several days. It is hard to try and coordinate these activities between nap times - something I never had to consider before. I cannot imagine having done this trip without my mother. She has been so helpful in playing with and distracting Henry when I need to prepare his bottle or meals. Also, there have been times when I think she knew I just needed a few minutes for myself. And then we also trade off when it is naptime so we can check our emails.

Hope things are going well there for you and the boys. Can't wait to call when I get home so we can catch up on everything!! I miss our chats.